Alan Rickman Dead: 'Harry Potter' Star Dies At 69

Alan Rickman is dead at 69. The actor and director, best known as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films and Hans Gruber in Die Hard, died on Thursday, Gossip Cop confirms.

Rickman’s family announced the tragic news, revealing the revered British star was secretly battling cancer. “The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends,” reads the brief statement. The revered actor’s death comes nearly four years after he married Rima Horton, who he had been dating since the 1970s. Rickman only confirmed the marriage last year.

Rickman, who was born in London, studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and first made a name for himself in theater with the Royal Shakespeare Company. His film career has been just as notable, with memorable roles in Sense and Sensibility, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and Love Actually.

With Robin Hood, Die Hard, and Harry Potter, Rickman was very much known for villainous parts, though fans of Professor Snape know there was much more to his character, which was created by J.K. Rowling in the Harry Potter book series. In 2013, he reunited with co-star Rupert Grint for the movie CBGB.

Rickman’s other key works range from Truly, Madly, Deeply to The Butler. His storied career also took him from the West End to Broadway. Over the years, he won a BAFTA award (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves), a Golden Globe (Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destin), an Emmy (Rasputin), a SAG award (Rasputin), and was nominated for two Tony awards. Gossip Cop’s thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this time.

Watch Severus Snape's most important scenes and arcs in the Harry Potter film series in chronological order, from meeting Lily to his memory living on in a name.